| Public | Private | |
| Dress Code | None, students can wear what they wish, within reason (no nudity, no obscenities printed on clothing) | Typically either uniforms (which parents must purchase) or specific dress code |
| Sports Dress Code | Some schools may require students to change into shorts and a t-shirt for Physical Education (P.E.) | Typically a specific P.E. uniform which parents must purchase |
| Lockers | High schools provide a locker to each student (must purchase a lock for it). Elementary schools do not; classrooms have boxes (cubbies) for each student to keep their personal items in. | Typically similar to public schools; each individual school may vary. |
| Snack, Lunch, Breaktime | Most schools provide a lunchroom/cafeteria where a hot lunch is available. High school cafeterias may offer more choices. Students are encouraged to bring snacks from home for breaktime. High schools have a morning break that is from 10-15 minutes long, and lunch is typically 45 minutes to one hour. Elementary schools have a morning break, lunchtime, possibly an afternoon break. | Some private schools may offer a hot lunch program, others may not. All schools have morning break and lunchtime; some may also have an afternoon break. This is very much dependent on each individual school policy. |
| Transportation | No schools buses for daily transportation; each student is responsible for their own transportation to and from school (it is expected that most students will reside within walking distance of their school). | Some private schools may offer daily transportation, but typically students are responsible for their own daily transport. |
| Student/Teacher Relationships | In BC teachers encourage independent thinking. Students are encouraged to maintain open communication lines with the teacher. In class, students are expected to raise their hand to ask a question. It is also expected that the student will ask permission before leaving the classroom for any reason. | Similar to public schools. |
| Attendance | Students are expected to attend school every day, and to attend every class during the day. The occasional absence for illness or other unavoidable reason may be excused with a note from the parent. | Similar to public schools, but each individual school will have their own policy on attendance. |
| School Nurse | Every school has its own school nurse, who is typically responsible for coordinating vaccination schedules (mandatory vaccinations are given at school, but parents can opt out by filling out a form), hearing and vision testing schedules, and is available to help if students become ill during the school day. | Similar to public schools; each individual school may vary. |
The Vancouver School Board (VSB) provides information on what schools expect from parents and students, which can be accessed here: http://www.vsb.bc.ca/sites/default/files/school-files/Resources/School%20Expectations.pdf.
